Avoid these common frying pan mistakes for a healthier kitchen

There is likely at least one Teflon frying pan in every home. Although it seems like a fairly sturdy piece of cookware, it is definitely among the more delicate ones. When using it, we should take care of it. Cooking with a frying pan makes it easy to cause damage, rendering it unusable. Pay attention to these mistakes during frying, and you will save both money and health.

Inappropriate use of a pan leads to damage and an unsightly appearance, and the destruction of the Teflon coating and further use can harm our health. A scraped layer during heating can lead to chemical reactions that produce toxic substances. Additionally, incorrect use may result in Teflon pieces ending up in our dish, which we would rather not find on our plates.

One of the most common mistakes is stirring or flipping during frying using metal utensils. This is the worst thing we can do for our pan because it scratches and scrapes the Teflon. We should always use wooden kitchen utensils.

Another mistake is washing the pan incorrectly. Never douse it with cold water immediately after frying, as the temperature difference destroys and deforms the coating. Therefore, always wait until it cools before washing it by hand. Putting it in the dishwasher exposes it to further weakening and wearing away of the Teflon.

Knowing that the pan should always be washed by hand, it’s worth mentioning how to do it. Abrasive sponges, brushes, or scouring pads are out of the question. They cause damage and wear down the Teflon coating.

Instead, choose a sponge with a soft texture that won’t damage the delicate surface. Blot excess water off with a cloth or paper towel. If possible, set the sponge aside and let it air dry.